PVL: Choco Mucho makes emotional comeback to semis

THE CHOCO Mucho Flying Titans displayed poise in last night’s game against the tenacious PLDT High Speed Hitters to advance to the semifinals of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2nd All-Filipino Conference.

With their eight-game winning streak on the line, the Flying Titans were able to cling on and win 25-20, 23-25, 18-25, 25-17, 15-12 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Choco Mucho now has an 8-1 win-loss record and is firmly in second place.

Choco Mucho was behind 0-5 at the start of the fifth set. The Flying Titans, however, were able to tie the game at 11, and the “Ube Girls” gained momentum to score five straight points to seize the lead, 13-11, against PLDT.

Erika Santos attempted to halt the bleeding for the High Speed Hitters but her teammate Jessey de Leon made a crucial serve error, pushing Choco Mucho to the match point, 14-12. Maddie Madayag’s game-winning block on Santos brought the enthralling encounter to a close.

Choco Mucho’s offense was led by the ever-reliable, high-flying Sisi Rondina, who scored 20 points, including 19 attacks, during the game. However, Rondina asked that everyone on the squad be given due credit.

“Ako personally, hindi ko masasabi na dahil sa akin or what. I think it’s [all of] the players sa team. ‘Yung mindset nila to raise the team na makapasok, and siyempre magbubunga ‘yung mga trinabaho namin,” she said.

“Honestly nakakapagod, pero mas maganda kasi ‘yung pagod na may magandang outcome, and ito ‘yon. Thankful kami kasi walang bumitaw, walang bumibitaw, and nilalaban,” added Rondina.

Maddie Madayag left it all on the court, concluding with an all-around performance of 13 attacks, three blocks, and two aces to finish with 18 points and help the Choco Mucho secure their semi-finals position.

She became emotional with her teammates after their much-needed win, recognizing they had clinched a semifinals spot. “Sobrang naging emotional ako sa panalo kasi sobrang ganda nung laban. Down kami ilang points pero hinabol namin,” she said.

“Sinasabi ko every time pumapasok ako, ‘Please! Ilaban natin please!’ As in tinitignan ko sila sa mata sabi ko kapit tayo hanggang dulo kasi nandito na tayo, trinabaho natin ‘to so kailangan natin tapusin ng maayos,” added Madayag.

During the post-game interview, the middle blocker recalled the 2021 PVL Open Conference, which was hosted in a bubble format in Bacarra, where she tore her ACL during Game 1 of their bronze medal match against Petro Gazz.

“Naging emotional ako ngayon kasi last time na nagkaroon kaming chance for semis was in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte. ‘Yung game na ‘yun, doon ako na-ACL eh. We were supposed to fight for third place para makapag-podium yung Choco Mucho,” she said.

Despite being a member of the squad since the start, this will only be her third appearance in the semifinals in eight conferences. Hence, this victory means a great deal not only to her, but to the entire squad.

Deanna Wong, who sprained her ankle, also demonstrated outstanding leadership on the court by organizing their offense with 24 excellent sets and three points, including two aces. 

Molde had 15 points and 13 digs while Viray scored 10 points. Cherry Nunag earned nine points, and libero Thang Ponce, who was named Player of the Game, had 23 digs and 11 receptions.

PLDT, on the other hand, is now on the verge of being eliminated after three consecutive losses, falling to a 5-4 record tied with Akari and Petro Gazz. Cignal (6-3) would eliminate the three teams if it won its final two games.